Safe Operation of Emergency Generators is a fact sheet created by Cornell University by safety specialists which provides recommendations for safe residential and farm use of generators during power outage situations.
Use of portable generators in emergencies fact sheet - U.S. Fire Administration.
Prevention of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning - resulting from operation of gasoline powered engines (generators) without proper ventilation. CDC fact sheet.
Dealing with mold issues and removal from long-term power outages. Dept. of Design and Environmental Analysis at Cornell University.
Chain Saw Safety
The
safe use of chain saws when trying to remove downed trees or limbs resulting from heavy snow or ice.
University of Missouri.
Roofs on Barns and Houses
Snow loading, the downward force exerted on structures by the weight of accumulated snow, may result in damage to roofs or the actual collapse of the roof itself. In addition to snow accumulation there are other conditions that may contribute to snow loading problems and the potential for roof collapse:
(1) adding insulation to the roof without proper ventilation may cause condensation & eventual rotting of the rafters or deck;
(2) re-roofing with three or more layers of shingles;
(3) not correcting observable symptoms of structural problems.
The following resources may be helpful:
Attic condensation problems and ice dams and lead to extensive damage to home roofs.
Heavy Snow Loads can lead to barn roof failure - Cornell University, PRO-DAIRY program.
A 1999 analysis on barn roof collapses in New York State - Cornell University.
Tree Damage: Assessing and Recovery from storms
Recovery of Ice-Storm Damaged Trees - University of Maine
The National Arbor Day Foundation provides a storm recovery kit for use by home owners and communities. This kit addresses issues such as: Can These Trees Be Saved?, Tree First Aid, and Watch Out for Scam Artists.
Caring for ice damaged trees - University of Illinois.
The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) provides:
Tree care and recovery fact sheet - University of Massachusetts.
The Tree Emergency Manual for Public Officials was developed by the Community Forest Education Project of CCE - Monroe County with a grant from the USDA Forest Service, NE Region through the University of Massachuetts.
The Community Forestry Program at Cornell University assists in urban tree managment:
An arborist is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for and maintaining individual trees. This expert can provide services in emergency tree care, removal, pruning and planting of individual trees. To find a certified tree arborist, visit the International Society of Arboriculture’s website and click on “Find a certified arborist”
Forests and Maple Sap Production
Three resources available from the University of New Hampshire that address winter storm damage:
The sugar bush
Injury effects on hardwood quality
Silvicultural approaches for managing stands
The USDA Forest Service Northeastern Research Station provides resources for forest managers:
Tree Survival and Growth Following Ice Storm Injury
A First Look at Tree Decay